Eco Drama in association with Platform presents The Whirlybird, an uplifting theatre show for children aged 3-7, featuring movement, music, bird song, puppetry and lots of things that spin!

In a cosy nest, two birds look skyward and get ready for their maiden flight. While flying comes easy for Bird, Whirlybird just can’t get the hang of it. After many failed attempts, inspiration is found in a very special flying seed…

A curious creature, ricketie-racketie on ground but in flight, a wildlife spectacle – a blizzard of wings, perfect elliptical twirls, a mass of orange and browns and a cacophony of sound!

The Whirlybird is a funny, playful and moving piece of visual theatre about learning to fly, encouraging one another and finding joy and inspiration in nature.

With a beautiful music score by award-winning composer Greg Sinclair and set and costume by Claire Halleran, The Whirlybird draws inspiration from the natural world to celebrate diversity and uniqueness and the wonder of flight.

The production was developed in collaboration with Platform Arts Centre and children at Buchlyvie Nursery in Glasgow, with support from Creative Scotland.

“A delightful show… slips from hilarity to pathos with ease, and keeps the children transfixed. With a colourful, autumnal set festooned with pine cones, a birdhouse, feathers and toadstool and gorgeous wee puppets, it is sure to fly further afield, soar, and keep going.” Lorna Irvine, The List, read the full review.

The Whirlybird is currently on its maiden tour during March – May 2019 in nurseries, schools, theatres, community venues and festivals across Scotland, including dates at the Puppet Animation Festival 2019.

For bookings, please contact nina@ecodrama.co.uk. There are still dates left in our March – May 2019 tour, and we are also taking bookings for tours throughout summer and autumn 2019 and spring 2020.

The Whirlybird will be presented at the Puppet Animation Festival 2019 during 30th March – 20th April, and is touring across nurseries, schools, theatre and venues throughout 2019 and 2020. Festival dates marked with * below.

Reviews

“A delightful show… slips from hilarity to pathos with ease, and keeps the children transfixed. With a colourful, autumnal set festooned with pine cones, a birdhouse, feathers and toadstool and gorgeous wee puppets, both designed by Claire Halleran and featuring magical music from composer Greg Sinclair, it is sure to fly further afield, soar, and keep going.”

“Thank you so much. Our children had a fantastic day and loved your performance. They said it was magical! Our full time children asked if they could see it again in the afternoon as they enjoyed it so much.” Our Lady of the Rosary Nursery Class

“Hi we got to see Whirlybird today!!! It’s fantastic, both the girls LOVED it! They both asked me if the birds were doing ballet, which they loved!” Audience Member, Lochwinnoch Arts Festival

“Was lucky to see a wee preview of this – wonderful. The wee one loved it too! So funny and moving.” Audience member, Platform

“I liked the flying seeds”

“My favourite was the colours and the swirly ribbons”

“I liked when they were flying”

Children – various Glasgow nurseries

“I went to watch the whirlybird, and it was awesome! I wish I could go again. The acting and puppetry was great, and the story was heart lifting. It is for all ages! At the end, we got to play with the props! I loved it. I recommend watching the whirlybird, for it is a memorable experience that I will remember in years time. The music was very good!” By Maisie age 9

“This is all about bringing everyday nature centre-stage – before climate change robs tots of the real thing.” Mary Brennan, The Herald

“A show for much younger children, with even tiny toddlers reacting with squeals of delight to the gorgeous, colourful set by Claire Halleran… [The] Whirlybird offers a joyful celebration of the richness of nature, of a kind that becomes more useful and relevant, with every passing day.” Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

Creative Team

Director/Devisor: Emily Reid

Performers/Devisors: Caroline Mathison and Beth Kovarik

Set & Costume Designer: Claire Halleran

Composer: Greg Sinclair

Dramaturg: Katrina Caldwell

Stage Manager: Camilla O’Neill

Artwork: Lindsay Scott and Ben Cormack

With thanks to Emma Clifton for costume making and Roy Mohan Shearer of Zero One for the puppetry mechanics.

The Whirlybirddevelopment and creation wasgratefully supported by Creative Scotland, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the Sylvia Waddilove Foundation, The Pump House Trust and Platform.

Further info

Recommended Age: Children aged 3-7 years and their families in public venues. Nurseries and P1-3 in Primary Schools.